Opinions in the Shorts: Vol. 136

On Politics
I’ve been shaking my head at Congress for some time. Oh my my! Just wait until the end of 2012 when Congress faces the expiration of the Bush tax cuts, expiration of the payroll tax holiday, debt ceiling extension, and the looming deadline of the automatic budgets cuts.

Speaking of Congress, which is worse: One chamber knowingly passing a bill that has no chance of passing the other chamber or not acting on a bill sent by the other chamber?

As a component of overall foreign policy, the US government this dilemma: what to do when promoting national values and national interests are in conflict with one another.

Given the scandal at the US General Services Administration, I would be tempted redistribute its most important duties, and then disband the entire organization.

Because people like Ted Nugget are totally irrelevant to a campaign, why does he keep getting press? Then again, he earned a Dork of the Year nomination.

A thought about the Secret Service scandal in Columbia: Because Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) has never heard to this happening before, this must be the first time this has ever happened – therefore it must be President Obama’s fault; but I am not sure what Rep. Issa’s brothers think. (For that don’t know, that’s Larry and Darryl)

On Headlines from The Onion
Trusted Sistine Chapel Janitor Convicted of Sexually Abusing the Last 4 Popes
Depressed Ralph Lauren Releases New Wrinkled Shirt with Marinara Stain
Local Idiot to Post Comment on Internet
Every Potential 2040 President Already Unelectable due to Facebook
Scientists Discover Delicious New Species
Local Priest Grateful to FTD for Easter-Reminder Email
Study Shows 38% of People Not Entitled to Own Opinion

Interesting Reads
Maureen Dowd on Phony Mommy Wars 
A Mummified Kitten
Interesting graphic regarding a naval war with Iran
For those with an interest in style, Plastic in Fashion
Fact or Fiction: Debunking Rural Legends (Thanks Starla)
Companies that Lobby the Most and What They Get

On Potpourri
Tuesday provided wonder camera work of the space shuttle Discovery riding piggyback on a NASA 747 on its final journey from the Florida to DC. For anyone who missed it, see the takeoff and DC flyover + landing.

Jim Abbott has one hand, but pitched in Major League Baseball. Watch this several-minute interview from CNN.

Do you remember the pictures from The Wave by my friend Steve? See his new site, which includes a wonderful musical slide show on the front page.

Interestingly, recent research by the Public Religion Research Institute about Jewish values shows that more Jews have a more favorable rating of Mormons and Muslims than the Christian Right – and I imagine the Christian Right doesn’t really care about that!

As US gas prices continue to rise, let us not forget that US exports of gasoline lowers the US supply. Why export? – because the companies can get a higher price for their product elsewhere!

So far, I’ve enjoyed the current cast of Dancing with the Stars because the overall dancing is good and the cast is likeable. Meanwhile, Holy Menounos, have you seen opera singer Katherine Jenkins?

Blog numbers are down, so the surge was fun while it lasted. Meanwhile, with another classic cartoon salute tomorrow, post #900 should be sometime midweek. Woo hoo!

Have a good weekend everyone. In the words of Garrison Keillor, Be well, do good work, and keep in touch. Now I close with an interesting music and description from the video. Enjoy and thanks Xandi.